RP:What I Want

Part of the Mearcstapa Arc

Summary: Brennia shows Mesdoram his fancy room within the luxury of the royal palace of Alithrya now that they are both Reginae's new pets.

Guest Room Corridor

Brennia still wants to pinch herself to be sure this isn't some wildly vivid dream. She does feel guilty that she missed having some fun out on the town with Nadia and Thedez, but she knows Nadia will understand. A guard is escorting them down the guest room corridor and she gives Sapphire a side eye glance, but she cannot help the little smile tugging at the corners of her lips because she is still quite impressed with his showmanship back in the throne room. "This one is vacant, right?" She asks the naga with a smile as she has long learned that being really nice to the palace guards throws them off a little. When the guard confirms with a nod as Brennia can hear Yozenra, the head guard, summoning the other to distract him for a moment. Internally she thanks Yozenra for the distraction even though it may be a mere coincidence. Brennia quickly and quietly slips through the door and motions for Mesdoram to do the same. She will worry about sneaking back to her own room later! The room is nothing short of luxurious, equipped with its own washroom and marvelous bath. A small mini bar completes this one and they have already delivered a small snack plate complete with fruits, crackers and cheeses. The lights are dim from the hanging lanterns and she meanders about his room as if it were her own, "I still cannot believe you're here Sapphire." She lowers herself to sit on the edge of the bed to watch him, "maybe now is a good time for explanations. I have asked you to trust me and I am eternally grateful that you have." Brennia pats the bed in an offering for him to sit with her, "do you remember what I told you about these scars?"

With a gesture to the scars along the outsides of her thighs which is easily seen because of the gold colored dress she is wearing, "I am sure you wonder how I ever escaped such a hellish place. The goblins made it impossible. They would dull their workers' senses with a special pixie dust and then serve us our only meal of the day which was a gruel laced with a strong potion to keep us workers mindless, but commendable." Her wings are folded off to one side while she sits, but they shift ever so slightly with the retelling of the uncomfortable tale, "well. It was Queen Reginae who saved me from that farm. I owe her my life even if she doesn't remember any of this." Sadness mixed with concern knits her brow, "her mind is… I don't fully understand, but she had a mental break and I am doing everything I can to keep her on track. No one can know I told you any of this," her gaze finds him again with sincerity. "I cannot leave until I know she is okay and I am sorry I pulled you into this, but…" she swallows hard. "I feel so selfish for it, but I cannot let you go - it is unsafe." Her heart aches remembering that dream they shared where she watched a blade pierce him through the chest.

Mesdoram keening watches the guard and Brennia while being escorted down the corridors; after challenging the entire naga army to a death duel within 5 minutes of being in the Throne Room, the drow’s cocky arrogance dawns his face as he winks to one of the many guards he threatened moments ago. As proud of he is of himself, Brennia’s lingering stare does catch his eye she hurriedly slips into the room that he’s certain was meant for him; not questioning Bre’s maneuver , the drow hastens his steps and proceeds to follow Brennia – softly closing the door behind him. Mesdoram is absolutely flabbergasted with the quality of this room; coming from the lowly economics of the UnderDark, the drow awes at the food, lanterns, and something he has never own before: private wash and bath area. But no luxury can distract him from Brennia’s presence and beauty as he follows her to the bed. “It has been a long journey from me to get here, and glad to be here Brennia.” As he plops his butt next to Bre, he nods along to her inquiry of her scars’ origins – as she reminds him of the goblins’ ill tempered and wicked treatment of his angel, Mesdoram’s blood boils momentarily as he fantasies sticking each goblin’s head on a spike: his face hides his anger poorly. Hearing how Queen Reginae rescued Brennia from that place makes him think twice of Reginae as he thinks to himself.'“Maybe she’s not as bad as I thought… still need to keep my wits about me though.' As Brennia continues her story, he glides his hand to fit on top of Bre’s in order to offer some support… plus now he can reach out to her without having to put on the ‘tough guy act’ in front of the naga serpents. “I do not know this Queen Reginae well enough, but I am glad you are safe my angel…”

With that said, Mesdoram reads Brennia’s face with curious concern. “I have seen you make that face before, Bre… you had that face when you saw…” Deciding not to push too deep into this subject, Mesdoram is naturally very intuitive and can read faces like a professional poker player. Though he cannot read minds, Mesdoram is all but certain why she has that expression on her face. Before going further, Mesdoram cozies up to Brennia and wraps his free arm around her waist – pulling her as close as he possibly can to him. “Please do not feel selfish, my angel… I had to see you… for real, and not in one of our wonderful dreams. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you.” With those words, Mes gives Bre a squeeze to reassure her before raising her hand to his lips for a sweet kiss. “What concerns me now is what weighs on your mind about me… you fear my life might end soon, yes?” Mesdoram is terrible with segways, but finds a no BS approach cuts right to the heart of the manner. “I would be happy to discuss anything with you, my angel. I came this far and found you… nothing in the future will ruin this moment.” A genuine happy smile adorns his face as he looks up to Brennia with a heartfelt message. “In my mind, I’ve already won by finding you.” Before she can ask any question that might be weighing on her mind, he gives his signature playful wink in attempts to comfort any doubts she may be facing.

Brennia nods at his hesitant words and explains, "she is misunderstood and just a little lost. I am here in an attempt to remind her of her humanity and what her people love so much about her." His assumption of why she must keep him safe is obviously correct as her gaze locks down to his and then she admits, "I know I had only seen you once before on the mortal plane, but had I assumed my mind just put your likeness in place of some… really pleasant dreams," she admits with a soft smile toying with her lips. He moves fast it seems and slips his arm around her narrow waists, under the cover of her velvety feathered wings and instantly her cheeks go red again as she lets out a small raspy giggle. Her arm drapes naturally across his shoulders and she cannot fathom the words she is hearing - in a good way. "Really?" It crosses her mind that she has written with friends and those she thought were in love with her, but she hasn't even heard back from one of them while the others still seem to think she is on an extended vacation. Then again, the palace could be keeping letters from her again. "Yes," her voice is a near whisper as she confirms her fear.

Her free hand moves from her own lap to cool the heat coming off her face while having to look away from him for a second when he winks to her, "you, uh. Really know what you want - don't you Sapphire?" Then she gets the overwhelming sensation of deja vu when she looks back to him to ask, "is it okay if I still call you Sapphire in private?" It just feels so fitting, but she will understand if maybe he doesn't like it so much in the mortal plane. Her gaze catches on her own black feather poking out of his robes because they were interrupted when he presented it to her, but is now the time to bring it up again? "These things that Norwahve spoken of in our dream… You dying? I cannot explain the pang of grief it gives my heart to consider such a thing even though I barely know you. I just feel we will never have enough time when I only found you now." She leans in to place a soft supple kiss to the apple of his cheek and she lingers there after because she feels drawn to kiss him, but she must not get distracted yet, "I do not think anyone has pursued or talked to me this way… ever."

Mesdoram, though not 100 percent certain, accepts Bre’s explanation of Queen Regi and her current struggles with her mental stability; he completely emphasizes with the delicate ebbs and flows of battling your own subconsciousness… the battle to control his own mind unironically weighs heavily in body language. Mesdoram feigns a smile as Brennia confirms her worry for the drow’s wellbeing, but quickly changes the course of the conversation to her innocent inquiry. “You are the only one allowed to call me Sapphire, and you may do so freely Bre whenever your heart desires.” With those words spoken, Mesdoram happily accepts Bre’s affection and places a small kiss upon the lingering avian’s lips. His hand by instinct places itself on Brennia’s face gingerly and holds her in a very sweet manner; though not the most passionate kiss, Mesdoram pictures this as their true ‘first kiss’ as they finally did the impossible: coming together through many trials and tribulations. As Mesdoram seals his sentimental warmth with a kiss on Bre’s forehead, he does quirk his head for a moment at Nariv’s pronunciation but quickly realizes whom she’s referring to. Deciding the subject may be a little heavy to discuss, Mesdoram politely untangles himself from Brennia before standing up and walking to one of the many mirrors in this luxurious room – by creating some distance from Brennia, Mesdoram’s intent is to give her space to fully process what’s about to be shared. Maybe poetically, the drow stares at his own reflection and grips the crown molding that decorates the frame. From this particular angle, Mesdoram can see Brennia perfectly as she has formed a concerned look upon her face; “No one has ever asked me what I wanted, Brennia…” the drow finally says after a couple seconds of silence… “My life has never been about what I wanted…”

Mesdoram begins constructing the origins and what’s best to share given their short but wonderful history with one another. “… I was created out of spite… resisted my creator… and now have been on a slow but purposeful march to becoming the sacrificial lamb for slaughter.” As he speaks these words, he gauges Brennia’s reaction through the reflection; maybe just by sheer instincts, Mes gives Bre a reassuring smile attempting to comfort her worrying heart. “This play… I will certainly understand if you do not come… might be the end of me, my angel…” A sudden thought occurs to Mesdoram; with all the emotional grief he may cause Brennia, he realizes calling her ‘angel’ might be more harmful than endearing… a cruel choice to move so fast with grand intentions… if is to be killed, he does not want the words ‘my angel’ echoing in his love’s mind like a painful memory… “Forgive me Bre…” he whispers before rotating back to face Brennia. “What you have seen… me skewered through my body with my own sword… it must happen for my plan to work… but now I must ask something very selfish from you: If you do come, you must not interfere or try to save me…” Mesdoram absolutely hates being this cryptic… but he must not reveal too much to Bre – if Nariv were to figure out that Mes’ shared any elaborate details, the witch would further her vendetta against Mesdoram by taking away the only thing he cared for: Brennia. Stepping a bit closer, Mesdoram is now within arm’s length of Brennia; not contacting her so she may process this next line, the drow presses forward with this unsettling tale. “… I am sorry if this is too much my an-- … Brennia… I am asking a lot of you without being able to tell you everything I want to… what I want…” Mesdoram thinks back at Brennia’s flirty remark of 'know what you want, eh Sapphire?'

“What I want… I wish so much I could soothe your aching heart and worries, but the truth is I might die the night of my play… and if that is my fate, we cannot stop that or more innocent people will be killed…” A sudden chill fills the drow’s tiny body; clutching his chest of where he will be stabbed, Mesdoram mentally feels the impact of the blade penetrating his body… a phantom pain he has been feeling since creating this play… Mesdoram sweetly smiles up to Brennia, understanding how devastating some of this information is. Without wanting to, the drow offers Brennia a choice. “It breaks my heart knowing what pain this will bring you Bre… I cannot ask you to witness my potential death… so if you do not come to Cenril that night, I understand completely…” After offering her the choice to stay home that night, Mesdoram finally reveals what he wants. “…but what I want at this moment… however many moments I have left with you… is to let you know everything’s going to be okay… and I want to cherish my moments with you: good and bad; sad and anger; confusion and uncertainty… because it my last moment, whether it be in a week’s time or 100 years from now, my last thought before I go will be of you, my ang…” Mesdoram almost slipped up again; it takes every fiber of his being to stop referring to her as an angel. “Forgive me… Brennia…” He whispers one more time before allowing Brennia to soak in this information.

Brennia also feels that struggle where you feel like you're losing yourself to an interloper and as she sees that struggle reflected in Mesdoram's expression, she gently places her hand atop his own. The avian visibly looks relieved that she can continue to call him Sapphire and that soft smile returns. She starts to melt into the kiss as their lips fold together delightfully, but it is all too brief which leaves her to want more and there is no time to truly enjoy such a sensation without that weird dream effect to taint it finally. Her stomach is doing flips and fluttering while she is trying to pull her focus back down to the moment. They untangle from each other and she watches him through the mirror as he begins. "I can understand that feeling, Sapphire," she admits. "Growing up to be groomed for a throne was a lonely path where my wants were never taken into consideration and it was one of the many reasons I fled Island Vere." She continues to listen and watch how his handsome face conveys certain emotions. The fears are confirmed… it is true and she places her hands on the center of her chest as if it will keep her heart from aching while her eyes stare up at him, starting to shine with the threat of tears. Her wings slump with sorrow even though her body remains perfectly poised, almost royally so. "Of course, just as you have trusted me back in the alley, I will trust you in what must come no matter how much I'll ache to fight it," she nods a couple times while blinking the tears back and stands to close the distance between them so she can lean down somewhat for another embrace. "After the tournament and when Queen Reginae healed enough, I had asked her if we could attend the play together because she knows I love the arts - I am a professor at the arts college afterall. She agreed to attend with me and now I know you- maybe not in a traditional sense, but I feel as if…" she struggles to find the words, but the thought is lost for now.

It is then she realizes a full length mirror flush to the wall that doesn't seem to be reflecting the room they are in. Gently pulling back from him and stepping around in order to inspect the mirror, "are you seeing what I am seeing?" It would appear to be more of a window than a mirror as the closer Brennia gets to it the drow would not actually see the avian's reflection even though it still looks like the room. Her stomach sinks into the soles of her high heels as she reaches to the frame of what is supposed to be a mirror, "that is -my- room." With the realization that someone may have been watching her from this room this whole time, the feathers on her wings begin to fluff out in fear. Her fingertips caress over the glass, but the other one on the frame bumps a sensitive switch and the glass magically disappears! It is now a doorway into her room! She hesitantly steps into her room now and shifts her wings out of the way to look back at Mesdoram. That fear and doubt creeps back in her mind that this could be a naga shapeshifted into the drow described in her dream journal, but she keeps a calm exterior. "Isn't it silly of me to be so concerned about your death? Do you recall something dark about me from our first dream, Sapphire?" She practically holds her breath in wait for him to recite the fact she wishes she was at rest like she had been before. How she misses the beyond and doesn't feel happiness the same these days. This shared bit of info was something she didn't have the heart to even write down, but she remembers it crystal clear because telling her therapist about it was difficult enough and she is certain no one even knows she had been seeing a therapist.

Mesdoram is happy that his story does not send Brennia running out the door; he happily returns her embrace as she places her trust in him. This is another moment Mesdoram will choose to cherish; like their first real kiss, the drow prolongs his embraces as long as he can… hoping to bring this memory with him when he goes. But their tender moment does cut off prematurely as Brennia looks over his shoulder: has someone been spying on Mes and Bre? Sharing some confusion but concern as well, the drow watches Brennia tinker and stand in front of the ‘mirror.’ Dawning a perplexing look, Mesdoram does not know what sorcery truly is going on. 'Are we in danger?' Is the thought that seeps into his head… but is somewhat impressed with the transfiguration of glassware opening a fourth dimension into Brennia’s room.Without skipping a beat, Mesdoram reads Brennia’s sudden panic and departure from his room as a survival move… for whom he doesn’t quite know yet; ever the theatrical performer, Mesdoram puts on his best acting chops.

“Why you brought me here in the first-place baffles me, avian. As far as your first dream? The only thing dark about you is how grimy and disgusting your cage was… and the dribble that poured from your mouth?” Taking a few side steps away from Brennia, he hopes he has exaggerated enough to fool any spies lurking in his room and so off putting that Brennia knows he’s playing a part. “All I remember is your scars… other than that I didn’t pay close attention – I was counting the seconds I would awake and get my next dose of whiskey and painkillers… to drown out your pathetic tale from my memories.” This is all so new for Mesdoram… his teeth are on edge as he is thrown into this environment; if this is to become a routine event for the two lovebirds, the drow would greatly appreciate several rehearsals for practice. “Now, avian… if you don’t mind, I have been blessed with great purpose and need my reesst…” Mesdoram purposely elongates the word rest slightly to signal to Brennia 'If it is safer in the dreamland, let’s meet there.' After the hidden context clues, Mesdoram begins undressing and continues his out-of-character rant to his sweet. “Now, if you don’t mind madam, I have to get my bath and rest; and don’t you even think about laying a wandering eye: stay where you belong.” With his performance done, Mes stares a scowl at Brennia… for only a minute… but before he turns around to seek a much needed bath, the drow’s face softens enough where Brennia might notice his intent – he hopes he played his part properly.

Brennia doesn't outwardly react at first even though her damn wings sort of do a flicking motion in surprise of the sudden turn in demeanor. Her jaw falls open in shock and she scoffs once she realizes he is putting on a show. She still needs to know it is him, though, "maybe you're… write," she narrows her gaze, "I don't know why you came here." The mention of her scars cuts a bit deeper than it should and she fakes a gasp, but still reaches down in effort to hide them. She catches his meaning and offers a faint nod. "Oh, don't you worry about that, -Sapphire-. If my scars are so hideous then I am thankful it will keep you from trying to sneak a peek!" She has yet to peel her own gaze from him because maybe she isn't the best actress. He does look quite cute when he is mad - or fake mad. Little do they know, no one is spying on them and their antics are hilariously for no one's benefit. Brennia sort of mirrors his actions while leaving the portal between their rooms open - uncaring if he gives in and sneaks a peek. After a relaxing bath, she meanders about her room in a powder blue silk nightgown and feels the frames of all the mirrors as the rest of them are free standing or attached to furniture. None of them are against a wall like the large one that connects their room and they definitely do not have any switches or buttons to activate them.

Feeling the excitement of the night die down, she climbs onto her bed alone and peers through the portal with a longing to rest next to Mesdoram instead. "Goodnight, Sapphire," she mumbles in a defeated manner before shifting her blankets and sheets about in order to get cozy, but she cannot sleep. She doesn't want to sleep when the real thing is literally ten steps away from her. After a long hour of tossing and turning, she sighs with frustration and pulls out all the sheets from her linen closet before draping all the sheets over every mirror in her room, but then she breaches that portal once more and starts doing the same to any mirrors in Mesdoram's room. Hopefully he was having just as hard of a time falling asleep as she is, but she still carefully slips atop the covers of his bed because she doesn't wish to startle him. "Hey - Sapphire… It's just your angel," she whispers close to his ear. "I can't sleep."

Mesdoram brings his demeanor back down to his relaxed and default setting: calm, collectively, and peaceful despite the very impromptu performance. Seeing Brennia act appropriately to his over the top antics gives him an internal sigh of relief; though his tongue can be quite vexing and cruel, the words used against his angel make him feel queasy… “I really do need a bath after that act. I’m glad she did not take it to heart.” With that said, the drow does indeed needs to wind down after the grueling journey to find Brennia; plus with the showcase of skills he had to perform in the throne room, Mesdoram enjoys the soothing warmth his private bath before grabbing a piece of fruit and climbs into the first bed he has ever been in… not one made of trash and hard concrete behind a stuffy tavern in the UnderDark. Still… Mes seems to have trouble finding his comfortable spot to drift peacefully into the night… and something is missing from his reach. Longing for Bre, and not knowing the rules of this castle, Mesdoram elects for the next best thing: he fumbles over the side right side of the bed and reaches below to the floor where his battle robes lay; searching in the right-side jacket pocket, he retrieves his favorite trinket… Brennia’s feather. Gently tucking his souverner in his right hand, Mesdoram rolls over to his left-side and extends his right arm over… where he imagines his angel lying peacefully… “I can’t sleep” rings in his good ear as a very welcoming surprise.

Mesdoram was in and out of sleep, but somehow managed a good 10 minutes of deep sleep before Brennia had slipped on top of his covers. Though never entering his REM sleep, he did not hear Brennia enter his room nor perform her security measures and is quite impressed with her surprising stealth. A happy smile brightens his face as her voice prompts him to stir awake… Mesdoram tucks his trinket safely under his pillow, but does allow Brennia to see him carefully secure his safekeep. “I cannot sleep without this, my angel…” Hearing her reaffirming his pet name gives him some added confidence to keep using this term of endearment. “Please, join me.” With that said, the drow scoots over completely to his side and invites Brennia to rest with him; helping by untucking the sheets from her side, Mesdoram positions himself that if Brennia were to lay face to face with him, he would happily hold her in an embrace as they rest together. He would also instinctually search for her hand for a small, sweet kiss before moving the hair away from her face so he could stare properly into her teal beauties. “Thank you for coming, my angel.”

Brennia cannot help but smile even if there is still that unanswered confirmation that he isn't some shapeshifting naga to spy on her moreso. She slips gracefully under the covers he offers and tries to calm herself after seeing her feather still in his possession. The avian tries to remind herself that their customs are strange and not viewed as serious to everyone else. "Well, now there are thousands of them," she mentions in a whisper while positioning herself on her side, one wing rests along the bed before draping off the edge of it while the other curves over the both of them like a velvety blanket. "I think," she starts, still whispering, "that if we keep quiet like this - no one will hear us. I inspected the mirrors in my room, but the one connecting our rooms is the only different one," she hopes to put both of their concerns at ease, "but we should whisper, just in case." Plus, she must keep their faces close in order to do so and it feels sickeningly romantic in the best way. "I don't want to dream when I've got you so close already. I-" the kiss to her hand makes her smile a bit wider. "If you are to pass on soon," her voice wavers a little with emotion, "I want to make the most of what time we have left, Sapphire."

Brennia's free hand gently cups his face not resting on a pillow and her thumb caresses along his high cheek bone. She inches her face even closer to his own until their noses touch and her eyes flutter closed when their lips finally meet tenderly. His bottom lip fits perfectly between her velvety lips as they part around it. It lingers far longer than that peck and her heart is thundering away in her chest while her warm breath slowly fans out across his cheek during their lip lock. When the kiss eventually breaks, she gently presses her forehead to his own. "You must be exhausted, please rest, Sapphire. I will be here."

Mesdoram offers no resistance as Brennia cocoons them both in her magnificent wing and showers him with her affection. The drow allows her to touch noses and matches her intensity with every kiss; the foreign feeling fills Mesdoram with the peace and the belonging he has been searching for, and from the most unexpected source… he would never have dreamed in a million years this scenario would happen to a cursed drow: he isn’t complaining in the least. “Thank you, Brennia…” He says in a very thankful but weary voice as the warmth from her fondness and body sends Mesdoram into a motionless state of bliss – feeling their bodies fit like a glove. But before he finally drifts away to slumber, Mesdoram momentarily remembers to answers Brennia’s concerning question from earlier with his best interpretation. “In our first dream… a dark entity wrapped you and took you away… right after you told me of your death… that you were with your mother… and… brother… Raven…” The weary man is unable to finish his thoughts because he is so at peace; nor can you string complete thoughts together… he subconsciously hopes his explanation is enough. Sleepy slumber has taken over his tiny body as he relaxes into the angels of his dream…

Brennia feels joy swell her heart as a brilliant smile spreads across her lips. It is really him! Her stomach feels all fluttery and she still struggles to slip into sleep as she simply lays there with Sapphire. Her concentration falls on his breathing, his warmth and how peaceful he looks because if she is truly going to lose him soon, she wants to engrave every little thing in her mind. It takes some time, but she does eventually slip into slumber, tangled up with the Sapphire of her dreams.